By: IndyPress News Desk

In what became a major accommodation concern, students enrolled in the Industrial Training (IT) and Post-Year Training Program (PYTP) in 2024 faced a relocation hitch due to an unannounced relocation policy that left them stranded and financially burdened.

The details of this flashback are premised on a report presented on the 11th of January, 2025, by the Chairperson of the House Committee on Disparity, Fairness, and Students’ Rights, Honorable Nice Linus.

The House Committee on Disparity, Fairness, and Students’ Rights was tasked with addressing issues where students face disadvantages, including, but not limited to, challenges encountered by persons with disabilities and cases of gender discrimination.

In line with its duties, the committee was responsible for examining and addressing concerns related to students’ rights, ensuring that violations or complaints within the university were reviewed and appropriately responded to.

Additionally, the committee was mandated to draw up reports and recommendations aimed at promoting fairness and equity among students.

The narration below was culled from the report by the committee, already adopted by the 11th Assembly, Students’ Representative Council.

An Accommodation Ordeal

The trouble began when IT/PYTP students were suddenly directed to relocate to Queens Hall for the duration of their training.

The move, implemented without prior notice, took students by surprise. Upon arrival, the students were required to pay 2,700 naira for their stay.

However, just as they were settling in, another challenge emerged. The management of Queens Hall announced an impromptu fumigation, ordering all students to vacate the premises immediately.

Seeking an alternative, some students attempted to return to Idia Hall, their previous residence, only to be met with locked gates and a firm denial of entry from the hall management. The unexpected displacement left many students without a place to stay, disrupting their studies and training schedules.

The Vice Chancellor Intervened

The situation escalated, drawing the attention of the university’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Kayode Adebowale.

In response to mounting complaints, the Vice Chancellor personally visited Idia Hall to address the issue. Following his intervention, the hall management agreed to grant students re-entry into the facility.

“The situation escalated, prompting intervention from the Vice Chancellor, who visited Idia Hall on behalf of the students. Following this intervention, the management of Idia Hall agreed to allow the students re-entry into the facility,” the report read.

Additional Fees Add to Student Frustration

Despite being allowed back into Idia Hall, students were met with yet another hurdle —neach person was required to pay an additional 1,000 naira for their stay. The inconsistent fees and abrupt relocation process fueled frustration and raised questions about the university’s accommodation policies.

“Upon gaining access to Idia Hall, each student was required to pay an additional fee of 1,000 naira for their stay,” the report added.

Calls for Reform

To prevent future accommodation crises and ensure a smoother relocation process for IT/PYTP students, the committee prescribed measures that needed to be put in place.

The committee recommended that the Students’ Union work with the university management to develop a clear relocation policy. This policy should outline proper procedures, including giving students advance notice before any move, setting up effective communication channels, and providing alternative accommodation options.

Secondly, the committee advised the university to improve its communication channels. Students, it noted, should receive timely and clear information about any changes to accommodation policies.

Also, a dedicated student support services scheme was encouraged. These services would help students navigate relocation by providing guidance on accommodation options, financial assistance, and resolving any problems they may face.

Other than an attempt by the incumbent leadership of the Students’ Union to address a recently arising concern, none of the adopted resolutions can be categorically said to have been well implemented.